NATIONWIDE; 22, November 2014: One of the most celebrated African American writers of her time, Harlem Renaissance writer, folklorist, and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston was buried in a segregated cemetery in Fort Pierce, Florida. Although a celebrated African American voice—Hurston did not have the financial success to match her literary achievements, and was buried in a grave without a headstone.
Shortly after Hurston’s death, Author Alice Walker generously provided a headstone for Hurston’s grave—but Hurston’s avid supporters still believed that Hurston deserved a more elegant place to celebrate her life’s work than the unkempt segregated cemetery.
During her career Hurston published over 4 novels, 2 books of folklore, and autobiography, and multiple short stories, essays, articles, and plays.
After many years of encouragement, the City of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, and AiPP commissioned renowned sculptor James Liccione to create a work of art to be placed at the Zora Neale Hurston Memorial.
James Liccione’s metal and mixed medium sculptures have been featured in prestigious venues such as the Vero Beach Art Museum, and can even be found on the sets of “The Cosby Show” and “Sesame Street.”
The Liccione sculpture at the Zora Neale Hurston Memorial is titled “The Stately Beautiful Remembrance of a Special Life Created by Gifted.” It consists of two 8 feet tall, and 3.5 feet wide concrete columns—which frame the metal panels custom crafted by Liccione. The copper panels feature images of Hurston at different points throughout her life, as well as images of the hats she was known to wear, her favorite flower (roses), and images of books.
“I wanted to do something soulful, enchanting, and inviting – a visual poetic memorial to this special life at the gravesite for Zora.” James Liccione
The Zora Neale Hurston Memorial is located at 17th St. and Avenue S, Fort Pierce Florida 34950.
To learn more about sculpture James Liccione please visit http://jamesliccione.com/
Written by Joanne Silatei
